USS Noa DD-343

The USS Noa (DD-343) was a Clemson-class destroyer laid down on 18 November 1918 by the Norfolk Navy Yard and launched on 28 June 1919. She was named for Loveman Noa and commissioned on 15 February 1921.

History of Service

The Noa operated out of Charleston following her shakedown cruise and through May 1922 participated in Atlantic Coast training maneuvers. In late May, she sailed for the Asiatic, joining the Asiatic Fleet at Cavite, Philippines, on 30 September.

Through the summer of 1922, the Noa remained active in the Asiatic, patrolling Chinese and Philippine waters during the turmoil of the Chinese Civil War. She returned to the United States on 14 August 1929 and moored at the Mare Island Navy Yard for overhaul before reassignment to west coast operations. For the five years that followed, the Noa operated out of San Diego and then on 8 July 1934 departed the west coast for Philadelphia for decommissioning on 11 November. She was placed in reserve.

Service During World War II

The Noa was recommissioned at Philadelphia on 1 April 1940 and was refitted to carry a seaplane. She participated in experimental maneuvers with the seaplane and, partly due to a dramatic flight transporting a sick man to the Naval Hospital at Philadelphia, convinced the Secretary of the Navy that destroyer-based scout planes could have value.

During the next two years, the Noa participated in experimental assignments and on a training cruise. On 7 December 1941, the day of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the entry of the United States into the Second World War, the Noa was in the Boston Navy Yard. She was immediately deployed to maneuvers in the Atlantic and continued there in a variety of capacities until being deployed to the Pacific in October of 1943.

She arrived at San Diego on 2 November 1943 and then sailed for Pearl Harbor, arriving on 10 November. She continued on to Espiritu Santo, Samoa and New Guinea. For the rest of the year, the Noa participated in convoy escorts and amphibious operations throughout the Pacific Theater. On 11 May 1944 she sailed for Pearl Harbor and arrived on 23 May. Here she embarked units of the Second Marine Division and sailed for Saipan.

She continued to patrol once at Saipan, defending against attacking aircraft and on 15 June, downing one. She continued after landing the embarked troops and left for Eniwetok on 30 June. By 16 August, the Noa returned to Guadalcanal and on 17 August began patrol operations out of Purvis Bay.

The Sinking of the Noa

On 6 September, the Noa left Purvis Bay and sailed for the Palau Islands for underwater demolition activities. On 12 September 1944, the destroyer Fullam accidentally bumped into her and she began to sink immediately. The order to abandon ship was given and the crew was transferred to the Fullam, but less than two hours later the captain of the Noa, along with a salvage party, returned to attempt a recovery of the sinking ship. These efforts failed and the Noa sank on 6 September 1944 at 10:34 a.m.

Asbestos Risks

Practically all compartments of a ship such as the USS Noa posed a significant level of asbestos exposure, but a vessel's engine room and engineering compartments were usually the sections where a crewman or maintenance worker was likely to be in danger of inhaling airborne asbestos. Increased risk of undergoing harmful levels of asbestos exposure occurred whenever a craft was in conflict.

Inhaling airborne asbestos fibers has been known to cause the development of several asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. Those who have been diagnosed with one of these conditions may have options for compensation as many have received financial assistance to help pay for medical expenses. For more information about compensation, asbestos exposure and treatment options, please fill out the request form on this page to receive a complimentary packet.

Sources:

Destroyers Index